KKR Star Varun Chakaravarthy in 'Same League as Bumrah' for Captain's Trust, Says Mohammad Kaif

Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has received high praise from former India batter Mohammad Kaif, who believes the mystery spinner has surpassed Kuldeep Yadav in the T20I pecking order. Chakaravarthy has been India's leading wicket-taker in the format since his return in 2024, showcasing remarkable consistency and control.

Kaif highlighted Chakaravarthy's versatility, noting that unlike Kuldeep, the KKR star can be deployed effectively even during the powerplay overs. This flexibility allows the captain to use him as a wicket-taking option in any phase of the innings without hesitation. Kaif asserted that the team management's preference for Chakaravarthy is now evident, making him the clear first-choice spinner.

In a massive compliment, Kaif compared Chakaravarthy’s reliability to that of Jasprit Bumrah, stating that the spinner has reached a level where a captain can hand him the ball and expect him to change the game with a spell. This confidence stems from Chakaravarthy's improved repertoire, which now includes leg spin alongside his potent googly, giving him the belief to bounce back immediately after conceding a boundary.